~Old Testament Scenarios~
Isaiah
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne,
high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.
Isaiah 6:1 (NIV)
"Don’t Be a Drifter"
740BC, Isaiah’s beloved Uzziah, King of Judah, had died and it is many people’s belief that there must have been a time of disorienting grief for Isaiah and even a bit of despair when he thought about the nation’s future. I love the fact that even in his discouragement, somehow/someway, Isaiah made it to the temple; drawn to seek out his God. So many drift away from the Lord in their disillusionment from painful sorrow, but we see here the greatest example of how each of us must go to ‘The Source’ for our answers, comfort, and direction.
Pretty amazing grace God gives to Isaiah. In Isaiah’s ache, the Lord reveals Himself. He does that for each of us who truly come to Him with a humbled heart and honest; seeking His presence, not just His gifts, but Him alone. Sometimes we can “see” God more clearly and are drawn even closer to Him, when our “other loves” have been removed from our life. Hard pill to swallow, but there is truth in it. We develop a new dependency upon the Lord. Isaiah saw the Lord more clearly, when his hero Uzziah was now gone.
The veil was lifted for Isaiah and he was given the privilege of seeing into the holy of holies by this vision of heaven. He had been given eyes of understanding to be able to comprehend seeing the Divine presence of our Lord Jesus Christ enthroned in all His glory; sitting on the mercy seat of grace. We see Jesus seated, for His work has been completed. We see the train of His robe filling the entire temple. This is the beautiful picture of an ancient eastern king and priestly dignity with complete power. Jesus, being our King and Priest, fills each believer completely as He dwells within our temple (our heart). Every little hidden nook and cranny and dark hole in your life will be enveloped with God’s Spirit. What else could Isaiah do but call out to Lord Yahweh Adonai, Hebrew for Lord, God and Master? We can do no more either?
When we get discouraged and disillusioned - don’t be a drifter…but instead be a seeker. In our rough patches, it is good to remember that God is still on the throne and in control of all things. He is judge over all and He is full of grace and mercy with healing for your soul. And as Isaiah was undone by the righteous glory of the Lord, what else could he do but see his own filthy sin in comparison? Once we all have that humility, then the Lord can use us. For Isaiah, the Lord used this prophet to warn the people of their continued idolatry. He served as a prophet for 44 years and during the reign of 4 kings. How will he use you?
This is your day; God has given it to you. What will you do with it? Will you allow the Lord to reveal His plan for your life? Will you trust that out of the ashes, beauty can arise? If you have been disoriented in your suffering, look up - your Redeemer is close.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8 (NIV)